Mistaken as buffalo thieves, 2 assaulted by mob in Etah

AGRA: Two men were thrashed by locals in Aghat village, Etah, after being mistaken for buffalo thieves, police said on Saturday. When policemen intervened to rescue the victims, the mob manhandled them and pelted stones, damaging a vehicle. The incident occurred around 9 pm on Friday, when Mohammed Faeem (23) and Mohammed Firoz (20) were returning from a Chehlum procession. Firoz, a resident of Kanpur visiting relatives in Etah, said, “While returning near Sarai Aghat, a mob attacked us with sticks and rods, shouting ‘thieves’. They accused us of coming to steal buffalo. A PRV vehicle on night patrol saved us and took us to Nayagaon police station.” The mob followed the PRV, pelted stones, and damaged its windscreen. Additional police force, led by ASP Raj Kumar Singh, reached the spot to control the situation. The crowd of about 40–50 people also gathered near the police station, but was dispersed after persuasion by senior officials. Both victims were treated for minor injuries at CHC Aliganj. Police confirmed that a case has been registered under sections related to rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, mischief, rash behaviour, and assault on public servants against five named and 40–50 unidentified people. An investigation is underway. (With inputs from Vikas Dubey in Etah)